thedrifter
04-04-07, 12:42 PM
MarCent broadens Bronze Star eligibility
By John Hoellwarth - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 4, 2007 12:54:35 EDT
A change in awards policy at Marine Corps Forces Central Command has broadened eligibility for the Bronze Star to include Marines whose meritorious service involves the “risk” of enemy contact, according to the top official at the Corps’ Awards Branch.
The change does not apply to criteria to the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device.
A Navy memo released last month makes the “risk” of exposure to hostile actions just as worthy as “significant exposure” itself, which was the previous guidance for the award.
Although the Navy change doesn’t specifically apply to Marines, MarCent has adopted a separate policy that allows the award for meritorious service “when the individual’s duties place them at increased risk of exposure to the effects of enemy hostilities,” said awards chief Lee Freund. “Therefore, both the Navy and Marine Corps are applying similar criteria for award of this medal.”
As of March 5, 1,431 Marine officers had received the Bronze Star, along with 255 enlisted Marines, for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Marine Corps statistics.
Ellie
By John Hoellwarth - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 4, 2007 12:54:35 EDT
A change in awards policy at Marine Corps Forces Central Command has broadened eligibility for the Bronze Star to include Marines whose meritorious service involves the “risk” of enemy contact, according to the top official at the Corps’ Awards Branch.
The change does not apply to criteria to the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device.
A Navy memo released last month makes the “risk” of exposure to hostile actions just as worthy as “significant exposure” itself, which was the previous guidance for the award.
Although the Navy change doesn’t specifically apply to Marines, MarCent has adopted a separate policy that allows the award for meritorious service “when the individual’s duties place them at increased risk of exposure to the effects of enemy hostilities,” said awards chief Lee Freund. “Therefore, both the Navy and Marine Corps are applying similar criteria for award of this medal.”
As of March 5, 1,431 Marine officers had received the Bronze Star, along with 255 enlisted Marines, for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Marine Corps statistics.
Ellie